Prosecutors to release documents in FAMU hazing case

Prosecutors plan to release new documents Wednesday in the hazing death of Florida A&M University drum major Robert Champion, Orange-Osceola State Attorney Lawson Lamar said through a spokeswoman.

The investigative records could help explain the state's case against 11 marching band members charged with felony hazing in Champion's death and are likely to include probable-cause affidavits sought by media companies, including the Orlando Sentinel.

The affidavits were used earlier this month by a judge who issued arrest warrants for the 11 band members charged in Champion's death. State Attorney Lawson Lamar said Champion was "pummeled to death."

FAMU's Marching 100 has been widely celebrated for elaborate, high-stepping performances at the Grammy Awards, Super Bowls and the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

But according to emails, parent letters and other documents obtained by the Orlando Sentinel through public-record demands, FAMU's marching band also has been plagued with brutal episodes of hazing throughout the years.

All 11 former band members charged in Champion's death are set to be arraigned June 14.

The defendants, all of whom were traveled with the band to the football game in Orlando on Nov. 19, include Champion's fellow drum majors Jonathan Boyce, 24, of Marietta, Georgia; Shawn Turner, 26, of Atlanta; and Rikki Wills, 24 of Miami. The others are the only female charged in the case, Lasherry Codner, 20, of Miami; Jessie Baskin, 20, of Miami; Ryan Dean, 21, Bear, Delaware; Harold Finley, 20, of Riviera Beach, Florida; Aaron Golson, 19, of Stone Mountain, Ga.; Caleb Jackson, 23, of West Palm Beach; Brian Jones, 23, of Parrish, Florida; and Benjamin McNamee, 21, of Miami.